Puerto Vallarta centre is just a 10 minute drive from the house and we haven't tired of it. It is a busy seaside resort frequented by American, Canadian and Mexican tourists. Originally a small fishing village, the population has swelled to over 200, 000 in recent times. It was put on the map in the 1960's by the American Film Industry as The Night of The Iguana was filmed here, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. This is the best time of year to visit weather-wise and many of Mark and Ivan's friends spend the winter here. This has meant lots of invitations out for meals in restaurants and homes, which we have, unsurprisingly enjoyed very much. Mexican food is delicious and we have eaten in a full range of establishments ranging from a Taco Stand on the roof of an unfinished building to 5 star fine dining. Mark tells me if I write enough reviews on Trip Advisor I could get a free luggage label. Woo, hoo, I can hardly contain the excitement but I've also got to actually start writing reviews on Trip Advisor first I suppose.

Puerto Vallarta Cathedral

One really fun thing you can do here is take a Panga (water taxi) along the coast to beaches that are inaccessible by road. A group of us were invited to join Bob and Steve, friends of our hosts for a wonderful day out on a boat with lunch at Yelapa Beach.

All aboard the Panga for Yelapa Beach

The following day we took another boat trip out to the Ocean Grill Restaurant, only accessible by boat. The food here was good enough to entice Mark to join us as he won't normally get on anything smaller than a cruise ship. I ate their speciality octopus, which was delicious. Yes, and tender, no rubberyness at all. A visit to the toilet here is also a must due to the view.